Deck Building Resources
Do Composite Decks Get Hot?
If you’ve ever stepped out onto your deck midday and been met with instant regret (or are thinking about building a new outdoor space), you’ve probably wondered: do composite decks get hot? The short answer: yes, they can. But the real comfort equation is about more...
How Long Should a Deck Last? (A Builder’s Honest Breakdown)
Most homeowners don’t ask how long a deck should last when they’re building it. They ask when it starts twisting. When boards feel soft. When the stairs shift after winter. And by then, the real question isn’t “How long should a deck last?” It’s “Why is mine already...
How Big Should My Deck Be?
If you’re wondering, “How big should my deck be?”— your head is in the right place, but you’re asking the wrong question. Square footage alone doesn’t make a deck feel functional or comfortable. In Wisconsin, a well-laid-out 14’x14’ deck often works better than a...
Wisconsin Lake House Deck Transformation (with Photos)
Lake house decks get used differently... More foot traffic. More moisture. More sun. More gear getting hauled up and down the stairs. They need to function accordingly. This Green Lake project (handled by our Appleton team) started as a resurface. The framing...
What Is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a low-maintenance decking material designed to last for decades without the regular staining, painting, or sealing that pressure-treated wood requires. If you’ve been researching decking, you’ve probably seen composite, PVC, and maintenance-free...
Can You Build a Deck During the Winter?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you build a deck during the winter in Wisconsin?” the short answer is yes. The more accurate answer is: it’s often the ideal time. Hear us out... Most homeowners assume deck construction shuts down once the temperatures drop. And with...
Seasonal Deck Maintenance Tips for Wisconsin Homeowners
Even if you have a maintenance-free deck, “maintenance-free” doesn’t mean “never lift a finger again.” Wisconsin weather throws a lot at your outdoor space (snow, ice, mud, pollen, humidity), so giving your deck a little seasonal attention helps it look great and last...
Customer Deck Stories: From Design Decisions to Finished Spaces
The best way to know what it’s like working with 3rd Gen Deck Builders? Hear it straight from our clients. Over the years, we’ve rebuilt unsafe decks, replaced outdated materials, added screen porches and 3-season rooms, and redesigned spaces so families can actually...
Step-By-Step Deck Building Process: From Design to Completion
If you’ve ever tried Googling “deck building process,” you’ve probably found plenty of vague, generic advice that’s about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. This is different. We’re pulling back the curtain on exactly how we take a deck from idea to finished...
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in WI? 4 Factors That Swing the Price
If you’re Googling “how much does it cost to build a deck" and looking for one set number or a specific range, we want to warn you... You're not going to find that here. We're not trying to dodge you or hide our pricing. It's just that custom decks aren’t...
I would definitely recommend 3rd Gen for your decking needs! They are professional, come up with creative ideas for your space, and are great to work with.
Hilary V.
How Can We Help?
